Chronic fatigue syndrome | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/society/chronic-fatigue-syndrome
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Life is hard for us ME sufferers – and simplistic news reports don’t help | Jill Strattonhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/16/me-sufferers-simplistic-news-reports-chronic-fatigue-syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is misunderstood by the public, and the media must take some of the blame for that<p>My heart sank when I went online this week. I saw that some <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jan/14/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-patients-fear-exercise-hinder-treatment-study-me" title="">new research about chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)</a> had been released, with one headline saying that “<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11343258/ME-fear-of-exercise-exacerbates-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-say-researchers.html" title="">fear of exercise exacerbates CFS</a>”. Researchers claim that a fear of exercise worsens the disorder – which is also known as ME – and sufferers need to try and get out of bed if they want to get better.</p><p>I just wanted to cry. It has taken me 18 months of fighting to get people to believe that what I am suffering is real and not simply made up, or laziness. Some still don’t. I’ve been told that I need to get a grip, make an effort, stop being lazy, that it’s all in my head. I have even been told that “it would be better for people if you were dead”. CFS is still a mystery to the medical world. It’s never really spoken of, and so people don’t understand what it’s like to have your life changed so dramatically.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/16/me-sufferers-simplistic-news-reports-chronic-fatigue-syndrome">Continue reading...</a>Chronic fatigue syndromeHealthSocietyWorld newsUK newsFri, 16 Jan 2015 14:37:16 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/16/me-sufferers-simplistic-news-reports-chronic-fatigue-syndromePhotograph: Andy Rain/EPA'I want to be able to walk and go shopping. But I also know the physical suffering I feel after pushing myself too hard.' Photograph: Andy Rain/EPAPhotograph: Andy Rain/EPA'I want to be able to walk and go shopping. But I also know the physical suffering I feel after pushing myself too hard.' Photograph: Andy Rain/EPAJill Stratton2015-01-16T14:37:16ZChronic fatigue syndrome patients’ fear of exercise can hinder treatment - studyhttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jan/14/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-patients-fear-exercise-hinder-treatment-study-me
Researchers say belief that activity will make ME worse can limit effectiveness of graded exercise therapy or CBT<p>Patients’ fear that exercise or activity will make chronic fatigue syndrome worse can significantly hinder treatment of the debilitating condition, according to researchers.</p><p>Exhaustion is a defining condition of CFS, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), which is thought to affect around 250,000 people in the UK, and can be crippling in severe cases.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jan/14/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-patients-fear-exercise-hinder-treatment-study-me">Continue reading...</a>Chronic fatigue syndromeSocietyWed, 14 Jan 2015 00:02:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jan/14/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-patients-fear-exercise-hinder-treatment-study-mePhotograph: Barry Lewis/CorbisA man walks through the Yorkshire Dales. Guiding CFS patients through a gradual increase in activity could help in treating the disease. Photograph: Barry Lewis/CorbisPhotograph: Barry Lewis/CorbisA man walks through the Yorkshire Dales. Guiding CFS patients through a gradual increase in activity could help in treating the disease. Photograph: Barry Lewis/CorbisHaroon Siddique2015-01-14T00:02:09ZWhy I let my husband diehttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/jun/09/jill-anderson-why-i-let-my-husband-die
Paul Anderson wanted to die. He'd been chronically ill for many years and had tried to take his own life three times. The next time, his wife Jill found him in time but decided to respect his wishes. And she was charged with manslaughter. Hannah Booth meets her<p>On a hot sticky day in July 2003, Jill Anderson was driving home across the North Yorkshire moors with some groceries when something told her to put her foot down. Hurrying back, she dumped her shopping bags in the kitchen and ran upstairs, where her husband Paul was sitting on the bed. &quot;What's wrong? Has anything happened?&quot; she said.</p><p>&quot;I'm sorry,&quot; said Paul. &quot;I've taken enough this time.&quot;</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/jun/09/jill-anderson-why-i-let-my-husband-die">Continue reading...</a>FamilyLife and styleRelationshipsBereavementChronic fatigue syndromeHealthHealth & wellbeingFri, 08 Jun 2012 23:05:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/jun/09/jill-anderson-why-i-let-my-husband-dieJim Wileman/Jim WilemanJill Anderson at home in Exeter, Devon. Photograph: Jim WilemanJim Wileman/Jim WilemanJill Anderson at home in Exeter, Devon. Photograph: Jim WilemanHannah Booth2012-06-08T23:05:00ZME is often dismissed – but sufferers like Emily Collingridge are dying | Scott Jordan Harrishttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/mar/30/me-emily-collingridge-chronic-fatigue-syndrome
How many young people have to die before 'chronic fatigue syndrome' merits properly funded biomedical research?<p>On Sunday 18 March, <a href="http://www.meassociation.org.uk/?p=10880" title="">Emily Collingridge</a>, a beautiful 30-year-old activist and author, died after she was apparently no longer able to struggle against the chronic illness that had afflicted her since she was six. Major news organisations have all but ignored her death – the death of a noteworthy campaigner while suffering from the very condition she tried to persuade the world actually existed – just as they continually ignore so many important stories about the illness she had.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/mar/30/me-emily-collingridge-chronic-fatigue-syndrome">Continue reading...</a>Chronic fatigue syndromeMedical researchHealthNHSSocietyFri, 30 Mar 2012 08:00:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/mar/30/me-emily-collingridge-chronic-fatigue-syndromeDavid Cairns / Rex Features/David Cairns / Rex FeaturesME sufferers such as Lynn Gilderdale and Emily Collingridge have died as a result of the disease. Photograph: David Cairns / Rex FeaturesDavid Cairns / Rex Features/David Cairns / Rex FeaturesME sufferers such as Lynn Gilderdale and Emily Collingridge have died as a result of the disease. Photograph: David Cairns / Rex FeaturesScott Jordan Harris2012-03-30T08:00:06ZStudy warns of higher ME rates among pupilshttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/dec/12/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-schools
More children than previously thought miss school because of misdiagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome, according to research<p>Far more children than previously thought miss a lot of schooling because of chronic fatigue syndrome which has not been diagnosed, according to research.</p><p>The illness is identified as a significant source of absenteeism and the study suggests more efforts need to be made to identify sufferers. Around one in 100 secondary age pupils suffer from the condition, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), the findings in the medical journal BMJ Open claim. With 3.3 million pupils in state-funded secondary schools in England, that means that 33,000 children aged between 11 and 16 may have it, according to calculations done for the study. This is far higher than two previous surveys which estimated that just 0.06% of schoolchildren have chronic fatigue and another which found only seven sufferers among 8,839 children in 10 schools. The new figure is also higher than estimates of 0.1% to 0.5% for the prevalence of ME generally.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/dec/12/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-schools">Continue reading...</a>Chronic fatigue syndromeSchoolsTruancyChildrenSocietyEducationUK newsPupil behaviourHealthMon, 12 Dec 2011 23:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/dec/12/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-schoolsRex FeaturesChronic fatigue syndrome is more common in schoolchildren than was previously thought, according to reasearch. Photograph: Rex FeaturesRex FeaturesThe WJEC is on of five main exam boards for GCSEs and A-levels; the others are AQA, OCR, Edexcel and CCEA. Photograph: Rex FeaturesDenis Campbell2011-12-12T23:30:00ZExtremism has no place in the quest to find a cure for ME | the big issuehttp://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2011/aug/28/big-issue-chronic-fatigue-syndrome
There is a crying need for research into the organic causes of ME<p>I deplore the threats directed at Professor Simon Wessely and others, but there are strong reasons for taking exception to his views and their influence (&quot;<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/aug/21/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-myalgic-encephalomyelitis" title="">Scientists face stream of ME death threats</a>&quot;, News).</p><p>There is no generally accepted diagnostic marker for ME, so that the occasional patient with purely psycho-logical problems may be diagnosed with ME and restored to health by the means he proposes. Besides, people with a wide range of disorders derive some benefit from symptom management techniques. But in general, cognitive behaviour therapy and graded exercise therapy do not restore ME patients to anything near normal functioning.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2011/aug/28/big-issue-chronic-fatigue-syndrome">Continue reading...</a>Chronic fatigue syndromeSocietyUK newsSat, 27 Aug 2011 23:04:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2011/aug/28/big-issue-chronic-fatigue-syndromeGuardian Staff2011-08-27T23:04:10ZComment is free readers on … chronic illness | The people's panelhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/aug/26/chronic-illness-peoples-panel
Four readers with chronic illness tell us how they handle the distress their condition can cause and the support available<p>According to a report published by the thinktank Demos, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/aug/23/suicide-chronic-illness-study" title="Guardian: One in 10 suicides linked to chronic illness, study finds">at least 10% of suicides in Britain are linked to terminal or chronic illness</a>, accounting for more than 400 deaths a year. These findings draw attention to the unacknowledged level of distress caused by some chronic conditions.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/aug/26/chronic-illness-peoples-panel">Continue reading...</a>HealthMental healthDepressionNHSDoctorsHealth policyChronic fatigue syndromePublic services policyPoliticsSocietyFri, 26 Aug 2011 15:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/aug/26/chronic-illness-peoples-panelThe people's panel2011-08-26T15:01:00ZChronic fatigue syndrome researchers face death threats from militantshttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/aug/21/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-myalgic-encephalomyelitis
Scientists are subjected to a campaign of abuse and violence<p>The full extent of the campaign of intimidation, attacks and death threats made against scientists by activists who claim researchers are suppressing the real cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is revealed today by the <em>Observer</em>. According to the police, the militants are now considered to be as dangerous and uncompromising as animal rights extremists.</p><p>One researcher told the <em>Observer </em>that a woman protester who had turned up at one of his lectures was found to be carrying a knife. Another scientist had to abandon a collaboration with American doctors after being told she risked being shot, while another was punched in the street. All said they had received death threats and vitriolic abuse.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/aug/21/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-myalgic-encephalomyelitis">Continue reading...</a>Chronic fatigue syndromeMedical researchScienceHealthSocietyUK newsSat, 20 Aug 2011 23:06:41 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/aug/21/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-myalgic-encephalomyelitisLaura Mtungwazi/ObserverProfessor Simon Wessely has felt safer in Iraq than in Britain. Photograph: Laura Mtungwazi for the ObserverLaura Mtungwazi/ObserverProfessor Simon Wessely has felt safer in Iraq than in Britain. Photograph: Laura Mtungwazi for the ObserverRobin McKie2011-08-20T23:06:41ZLetter: ME - the truth about exercise and therapyhttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/feb/24/truth-about-exercise-and-therapy
<p>Reporting on the PACE trial of treatments for ME/CFS by Professor White and colleagues, Sarah Boseley (<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/feb/18/study-exercise-therapy-me-treatment" title="">Report</a>, 18 February) writes that patient groups &quot;insist it is a physical disease, which probably has a viral cause&quot;.</p><p>Research co-funded by The Young ME Sufferers Trust and published by Dundee University last year revealed abnormalities in children's blood consistent with persistent viral infection. The trust deals with childhood cases so severe that sufferers cannot swallow and have to be tube-fed. Too weak to walk, they need to be carried and suffer unbearable neuropathic pain.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/feb/24/truth-about-exercise-and-therapy">Continue reading...</a>Chronic fatigue syndromeHealthSocietyMedical researchThu, 24 Feb 2011 00:05:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/feb/24/truth-about-exercise-and-therapyGuardian Staff2011-02-24T00:05:02ZStudy finds therapy and exercise best for MEhttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/feb/18/study-exercise-therapy-me-treatment
Chronic fatigue syndrome study finds more people recover if they are helped to try to do more than they think they can<p>The biggest-ever study of treatments for ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, has found that more people recover if they are helped to try to do more than they think they can – rather than adapting to a life of limited activity.</p><p>The findings of the study, published in the Lancet, are clear, but attracted immediate controversy. One of the biggest patient groups, Action for ME, said it was surprised and disappointed, while others denounced the trial in its entirety.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/feb/18/study-exercise-therapy-me-treatment">Continue reading...</a>Chronic fatigue syndromeMedical researchSocietyScienceHealthFri, 18 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/feb/18/study-exercise-therapy-me-treatmentAltrendo/GettyExercise such as walking might be the most beneficial to ME sufferers according to a new study. Altrendo/GettyAltrendo/GettyCouple walking Photograph: Altrendo/GettySarah Boseley, health editor2011-02-18T06:00:00ZScientists conclude mouse virus does not cause MEhttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/dec/20/chronic-fatigue-me-research
Hopes of breakthrough dashed as four papers conclude virus originating in mice is not the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome<p>A virus that originates in mice, which <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/may/13/me-chronic-fatigue-syndrome" title="">last year was hailed as a possible cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, or ME</a>, is not the cause of the disease, say scientists.</p><p>Four papers <a href="http://www.retrovirology.com/" title="">published by the journal Retrovirology</a> all come to the conclusion that the finding of the mouse virus XMRV in human cell samples was not the breakthrough that researchers and doctors had hoped for. Further research suggests that the samples were contaminated with mouse DNA.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/dec/20/chronic-fatigue-me-research">Continue reading...</a>Chronic fatigue syndromeMedical researchHealthHealth & wellbeingLife and styleSocietyScienceUK newsMon, 20 Dec 2010 17:50:26 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/dec/20/chronic-fatigue-me-researchSteve Chenn/CorbisIt is likely that the evidence for mouse virus found in human samples was due to contamination by mouse DNA. Photograph: Steve Chenn/CorbisSteve Chenn/CorbisIt is likely that the evidence for mouse virus found in human samples was due to contamination by mouse DNA Photograph: Steve Chenn/CorbisSarah Boseley2010-12-20T17:50:26ZI've got ME, I'm not a benefits cheat | Jayne Austinhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/aug/27/me-benefits-work-capability-assessment
The DWP's Orwellian-style work capability assessment forces people like me to work when they are not fit enough<p>As someone who is at the end of a 16-month process of claiming <a href="http://www.disabilityalliance.org/f31.htm" title="www.disabilityalliance.org: Disability Alliance Factsheet ">employment support allowance</a> (ESA), Melissa Viney's recent Cif article <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jul/29/incapacity-benefit-failing" title="cif: Draconian incapacity benefit tests are failing the sick">about draconian incapacity benefits tests, and how they are failing the sick</a>, really spoke to me. I've had <a href="http://www.meassociation.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=90&amp;Itemid=173&amp;limitstart=1" title="www.meassociation.org.uk">ME/CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome)</a> since 2007, and in April 2009 reluctantly ceased my work as an illustrator due to increasing symptoms.</p><p>I naively thought that my GP's sick notes (now <a href="http://www.dwp.gov.uk/fitnote/" title="dwp.gov.uk: Sick note to fit note">&quot;fit notes&quot;</a>) would be evidence enough to ensure benefit support throughout my recovery. Having paid NI contributions consistently, I suppose I considered it my right. I was diagnosed at Bristol's NHS ME service, and had further medical evidence outlining biological reasons for my symptoms thanks to private blood tests unavailable on the NHS.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/aug/27/me-benefits-work-capability-assessment">Continue reading...</a>Chronic fatigue syndromeLife and styleState benefitsWork & careersMoneyHealthSocietyWelfareHealth policyPoliticsUK newsFri, 27 Aug 2010 14:59:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/aug/27/me-benefits-work-capability-assessmentJayne Austin2010-08-27T14:59:06ZLetter: Dignity in Dying and assisted suicide lawhttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/jan/29/dignity-in-dying-assisted-suicide
<p>I find myself agreeing with almost every&shy;thing Deborah Orr says in her article (<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jan/28/deborah-orr-assisted-suicide" title="You can't make meaningful laws for assisted suicide">You can't make meaningful laws for assisted suicide</a>, G2, 28 January). She does, however, seem to be confused about Dignity in Dying's position on assisted suicide. Dignity in Dying campaigns for terminally ill, mentally competent adults to have the choice of an assisted death, in line with legislation in Oregon. There is no evidence of this legislation having a negative impact on potentially vulnerable groups.</p><p>Legalised UK assisted dying would have had no effect on the case of Francis Inglis or Kay Gilderdale, nor did we claim it would. What Dignity in Dying called for in this instance was for the government to undertake a review, recommended by the Law Commission in 2006, into the law of murder in relation to mercy killing. At present the law makes little distinction between assisted dying, assisted suicide, euthanasia and murder, and we believe that in cases which fall outside the remit of assisted dying, but are clearly wholly motivated by compassion, the judge should be able to sentence compassionately. Under murder law, as demonstrated in the case of Francis Inglis, there is no room for discretionary sentencing.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/jan/29/dignity-in-dying-assisted-suicide">Continue reading...</a>Assisted dyingSocietyChronic fatigue syndromeLife and styleLawUK newsUK criminal justicePoliticsFri, 29 Jan 2010 00:05:47 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/jan/29/dignity-in-dying-assisted-suicideGuardian Staff2010-01-29T00:05:47ZKay Gilderdale: A devoted motherhttp://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/jan/25/kay-gilderdale-devoted-mother
Her 31-year-old daughter Lynn led an "unimaginably wretched" life and "feared degeneration and indignity far more than death"<p></p><p>By common consent, Kay Gilderdale was a devoted, loving mother who unstintingly cared for her ill daughter Lynn for 17 years at the family home.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/jan/25/kay-gilderdale-devoted-mother">Continue reading...</a>UK newsAssisted dyingSocial careChronic fatigue syndromeLong-term careHealthLife and styleMon, 25 Jan 2010 15:54:50 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/jan/25/kay-gilderdale-devoted-motherSussex Police/PALynn Gilderdale. Photograph: Sussex Police/PASussex Police/PALynn Gilderdale Photograph: Sussex Police/PAStaff and agencies2010-01-25T15:54:50ZResearch casts doubt over US chronic fatigue virus claimhttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/jan/06/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-xmrv-virus
UK study fails to find proof of headline-grabbing American study into test for ME/CFS<p>Serious doubt has been cast on the theory that made headlines around the world last October that chronic fatigue syndrome, or ME, is caused by a new retrovirus.</p><p>Scientists at Imperial and King's universities in London have attempted to replicate work carried out in the US and published in the journal Science last autumn. But they found not one of the 186 patients they studied had a trace of the novel virus, called XMRV, in their blood samples.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/jan/06/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-xmrv-virus">Continue reading...</a>Chronic fatigue syndromeHealthLife and styleSocietyScienceImperial College LondonKing's College LondonEducationMicrobiologyMedical researchControversiesWed, 06 Jan 2010 00:05:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/jan/06/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-xmrv-virus<strong>Sarah Boseley</strong>2010-01-06T00:05:04ZGetting over 'yuppie flu' | Open threadhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/oct/09/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-xmrv-research
Evidence of the virus XMRV has been found in ME sufferers. So will the condition finally be treated ... and treated seriously?<p>A team of US scientists has discovered that a<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8298529.stm" title="BBC: ME virus discovery raises hopes "> single retrovirus known as XMRV </a> plays a role in myalgic encephalopathy (ME), also known as <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/chronic-fatigue-syndrome" title="chronic fatigue syndrom">chronic fatigue syndrome</a>. They found the virus in 67% of ME patients, compared with under 4% of the general population. The discovery, while not definitively establishing a causal link between XMRV and ME, raises hopes that a cure might be found for the condition, which is said to affect <a href="http://www.meassociation.org.uk/content/blogcategory/38/173/" title="ME Association: About ME">250,000 people</a> in Britain.</p><p>Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that is poorly understood and sufferers have often been treated with scepticism. In the 1980s, ME attracted the flippant label &quot;yuppie flu&quot;, and some with the condition were regarded by employers and even my medical professionals as &quot;malingerers&quot;. Will this discovery finally silence the disbelievers? Do you have personal experience with the syndrome? And where does it leave patients with ME symptoms who do <em>not</em> have the virus?</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/oct/09/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-xmrv-research">Continue reading...</a>HealthSocietyChronic fatigue syndromeLife and styleMedical researchScienceWorld newsSat, 10 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/oct/09/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-xmrv-researchHamburg Medical University/Institut fur Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Virologie und Hygiene /Arbeitsgruppe Fischer/Hamburg Medical University/Institut fur Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Virologie und HygieneXMRV virus has also been seen in prostate cancer tissue. Infected cells are shown in green. Photograph: Hamburg Medical University/Institut fur Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Virologie und HygieneOpen thread2009-10-10T13:00:00ZWilliam Leith discovers the hidden problems with living in a 24-hour worldhttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/jul/12/chronic-fatigue-stress-modern-life
Relentless consumption, spiralling debt, information overload. Is modern life making you ill? William Leith discovers the hidden problems with living in a 24-hour world<p>On a Sunday morning in early June, Kate, a 36-year-old counsellor, was sitting on a sofa, drinking a cup of tea, and saying she didn't think she could go on any more. &quot;I can't see a way out,&quot; she said. &quot;I look at my life and I don't see any possibility of hope.&quot; She dipped her head and put a thumb up to her eye to brush away a tear. &quot;I know I've said it before. But this time... I've come to the end.&quot;</p><p>Kate said: &quot;I don't know what to do. God, I could just give up. Yesterday I had this feeling that I could just give up my responsibilities. I could become derelict and hopeless. But that's not the way to go, is it? I have a child. I have my job. Something's got to give. I don't know what, but something's got to give, because I'm at breaking point.&quot;</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/jul/12/chronic-fatigue-stress-modern-life">Continue reading...</a>Chronic fatigue syndromeHealth & wellbeingLife and styleSat, 11 Jul 2009 23:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/jul/12/chronic-fatigue-stress-modern-lifeAndy HallDownward spiral: William Leith, like an estimated 100,000 Britons, has suffered from chronic fatigue. Photograph: Andy HallAndy HallDownward spiral: William Leith, like an estimated 100,000 Britons, has suffered from chronic fatigue. Photograph: Andy HallWilliam Leith2009-07-11T23:01:00ZWhat it's like to be a young carerhttp://www.theguardian.com/society/joepublic/2008/nov/18/young-carer-youth-week
The second in a series of blogs by young people to mark National Youth Week is by Alice Pratt, 13, a young carer from Cumbria. After her mum was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (also known as ME), Alice started taking more responsibility around the house<p>I've been helping Mum since she found out she was ill over a year ago. On a normal day I help by unloading the dishwasher, folding clothes, ironing and cleaning. Sometimes I push her wheelchair in town. I normally do one or two hours of jobs a day. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/joepublic/2008/nov/18/young-carer-youth-week">Continue reading...</a>Young peopleLong-term careSocietyChronic fatigue syndromeCarersTue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/joepublic/2008/nov/18/young-carer-youth-weekPRAlice PrattAlice Pratt2008-11-18T08:00:00ZWhat it really means to be healthyhttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/may/06/healthandwellbeing.health2
After a bout of glandular fever at university, Keith Kahn-Harris developed chronic fatigue syndrome, from which he still suffers. He explains how this debilitating and misunderstood illness has changed his life for ever<p>For the past 15 years, I have suffered from myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as ME or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). I contracted ME following a bout of glandular fever at university and have never fully recovered. While I am &quot;lucky&quot; enough to have relatively mild ME - I work part-time in the sociology department of Goldsmiths, University of London, I have a wife and two children, I have travelled and experienced many of the things that people of my age have - I always have to be careful not to over-exert myself, to balance my need for exercise and stimulation with my need never to exceed my boundaries. As these boundaries are always shifting - what I can manage one day, I may not be able to manage the next - determining my limits is excruciatingly difficult. At a minimum, I must sleep late most mornings and nap every afternoon.</p><p>Despite keeping a tight control on my physical limitations, I am periodically struck down and have to retreat to bed for days at a time. I have tried various treatments, but only traditional Chinese medicine and sleep medication have really helped. Barring a miracle, I do not expect a full recovery and I class myself as having an invisible disability.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/may/06/healthandwellbeing.health2">Continue reading...</a>Health & wellbeingLife and styleHealthSocietyChronic fatigue syndromeMon, 05 May 2008 23:05:22 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/may/06/healthandwellbeing.health2Keith Kahn-Harris2008-05-05T23:05:22Z'I never expected to be my wife's carer'http://www.theguardian.com/money/blog/2008/apr/24/carerblog
Life changed completely for Paul and Rachel Groves when she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. He tells how they cope with their new life<p><img alt="Paul-and-Rachel-Grovesblog.jpg" src="http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/money/Paul-and-Rachel-Grovesblog.jpg" width="440" height="345" /><br /><span class="caption">Paul and Rachel Groves</span><br /></p><p><em>Being self-employed means Paul Groves can fit work around caring for his wife, Rachel:</em> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/blog/2008/apr/24/carerblog">Continue reading...</a>Work-life balanceMoneyChronic fatigue syndromeThu, 24 Apr 2008 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/blog/2008/apr/24/carerblogMoney editor2008-04-24T08:00:00Z